The SIM Lock Problem

SIM lock is the most common feature of all GSM mobile phones and iPhone are GSM, except for some special versions that are CDMA exclusive.

The Simlock feature exists to make sure that you will not be able to use a SIM card from another Mobile Network when your iPhone is contracted to a Carrier!

Although SIM Lock should last up to 2 years from the first day of signing a contract, many times even when this period has expired, you may not be able to use the carrier’s Official iPhone Unlock Services due to its SIM unlocking policy.

Now, each mobile network has a different policy and all requirements must be met to make a SIM Lock Removal Request which is usually free or under a really small fee.

Official iPhone Unlock Free Services

You can learn more about the free iPhone unlocking on the link above, but the conclusion is this:

Almost all cellular networks require you to be the original owner to contact with them, find out if your iPhone can be unlocked and of course, officially unlock it with their blessings.

As you understand, if you had bought a used iPhone and discovered that it is actually locked by a carrier, you will need to look for third-party iPhone Unlock solutions

IMEI Unlock Alternatives.

You are supposed to have 2 other options beyond the obvious IMEI Unlock.

Various Hardware Unlock SIM cards that have been and remain extremely problematic, with many limitations and dangerous side effects.

Fortunately, somewhere in 2013, the iPhone IMEI Unlock Method made its appearance and changed everything.

How To Find The Right iPhone IMEI Unlock Service For Your Specific Mobile Network

Since many people are wondering iPhone IMEI and Factory Unlock are one and the same.

Whatever you choose to call it, it’s a SIM unlocking miracle from the very first day it was released, a huge helping hand for the original owners who couldn’t cope with the ridiculous conditions of Mobile Networks policies but definitely a one-way ticket for all those who bought a second hand iPhone and turned out to be locked.

Factory Unlocked iPhone Meaning

The beauty of the iPhone IMEI Unlock is the way it works! Official providers have somewhat authorized access to Apple’s GSX and Carriers GSMA databases.

Thus, a certified Factory Unlock Provider uses the IMEI number, interferes with these databases and changes the SIM lock status from locked to unlocked.

Usually, it takes 1 to 7 business days to complete. In the end, you’ll receive an email to reset your device to iTunes and that’s it! Your iPhone is finally Factory Unlocked. From now on you will be able to use all GSM networks worldwide.

But are things as simple as they sound?

Can you still IMEI Unlock any iPhone?

The key to success is the iPhone IMEI number but in a very different way from what you possibly imagine right now.

Until 2016, Factory Unlock was practically a complete solution since it worked with almost all networks worldwide and failure was extremely rare. Even in the case of blacklisted iPhones, it was exactly the same but it cost much more.

Unfortunately, I cannot say that IMEI Unlock has remained unchanged over time. Although it remains your only alternative to the official iPhone unlock, it is no longer available for everyone and everything.

Although it still has permanent unlocking effects, it is not available for all networks even when the iPhone is totally clean, and if it’s not clean (blacklisted, outstanding finance, active on another account), IMEI Unlock is available on even fewer carriers.

Another downside is the availability itself since any service can be disabled or activated without any warning at an unexpected time. The same is true for the conditions too.

Our Suggestion: IMEI Unlock Eligibility Check

So if you happened to see a company advertises that it can factory unlock any iPhone I inform you in advance that it CANNOT.

While still supporting a huge number of Mobile Networks as well as a satisfying variety of blacklisted iPhones, this can change at any time.

For example, Sprint IMEI Unlock was available until 4 months ago only if the SPCS was YES but again you could use the iPhone anywhere in the world but not in the United States. The service stopped working and re-appeared about 2 weeks ago but now works independently on SPCS on the sole condition that the iPhone is clean. And now the iPhone will also be functional in the United States.

In other words, you need to know if your iPhone meets the requirements of the appropriate IMEI unlocking and if the service is available at this time. Additionally, even if the Factory Unlock service is inactive when you need it, it can come back at any time.

Of course, you don’t have to look every day from one Factory Unlock provider to another.

At worst, you will learn that your device cannot be factory unlocked and you will have to wait for the service you need to be restored. Although no one knows when this will happen, a team of experts will already be working on it and you will be informed as soon as they are done.

Of course, there are those cases where the phone can’t be IMEI unlocked because it has a completely different issue that prevents it but again you will find out if there is a solution to it.

Hey, I am Makis. I am a Chemical Engineer and as it’s natural, I was fascinated with iPhone technology since the release of the original iPhone. In 2013, I bought a used iPhone from an online market but it turned to be locked and I didn’t know what to do in order to use my SIM Card. Despite being a tech freak, I spent too much money and time trying out fake services and iOS exploits until I found UltraSnow.EU and managed to unlock my iPhone with success. Soon afterward I became part of the team in order to help people like me through Quora or here and right now iPhone Unlocking is my cup of tea!

8 comments

arjunFebruary 28, 2019 - 8:27 am

how can i trust you and pay you before u send me lonk and tools if my iphone is unlock icloud i definetly pay u extra ammount i promise